November 2017
Featured in this insight: Medical & healthcare, Public health & wellbeing
Over half a million people suffer from work-related stress, anxiety or depression, survey finds: According to the Government’s Health and Safety Executive survey, 526,000 mental-health cases were reported between the years of 2014-2017.
Official statistics revealed that for every 100,000 workers, 1,230 cases were reported, and those who worked in the public sector were more susceptible to work-related stress than those in the private sector.
For every 100,000 workers, the following number of cases were reported:
- Human health and social work activities: 2,050
- Education: 1,860
- Public administration and defence: 1,840
The report stated that 12.5 million working days are lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety, some of which are due to respondents’ possible triggers such as: workload (44%), lack of support (14%), violence, threats or bullying (13%), changes at work (8%), or other (21%).
According to another survey recently released by insurance company AXA, out of 4,000 adults, almost one in ten workers said they are stressed all the time, with men reported to be the most stressed.
In addition, AXA also listed the most and least stressful cities in the UK:
Most stressed:
- Cardiff
- Belfast
- Sheffield
- London
Least stressed:
- Brighton
- Newcastle
- Liverpool
- Cambridge
The survey stated that those who tend to take calls or check emails from work after their contracted hours are more prone anxiety. Tactics used to alleviate stress and mentioned by respondents, included watching TV, reading a book, drinking alcohol or taking exercise.
Commenting on the survey’s results, Dr Mark Winwood from AXA said: “It is encouraging to see people exercising to combat stress. Physical activity is proven to have a positive impact on mental health, even if it is just a walk around the block instead of the gym.”
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